Jacobโs Folly is a rollicking, ingenious, saucy book, brimful of sparkling, unexpected characters, that takes on desire, faith, love, actingโand reincarnation.
In eighteenth-century Paris, Jacob Cerf is a Jew, a peddler of knives, saltcellars, and snuff boxes. Despite a disastrous teenage marriage, he is determined to raise himself up in life, by whatever means he can. More than two hundred years later, Jacob is amazed to find himself reincarnated as a ๏ฌy in the Long Island suburbs of twenty-first-century America, his new life twisted in ways he could never have imagined. But even the tiniest of insects can influence the turning of the world, and thanks to his arrival, the lives of a reliable volunteer fireman and a young Orthodox Jewish woman nursing a secret ambition will never be the same.
Through the unique lens of Jacobโs consciousness, Rebecca Miller explores change in all its different guisesโpersonal, spiritual, literal. The hold of the past on the present, the power of private hopes and dreams, the collision of fate and freewill: Millerโs worldโwhich is our own, transfigured by her clear gaze and by her sharp, surprising witโcomes brilliantly to life in the pages of this profoundly original novel.
Jacob’s Follyย was one of the most creative plots and for that it gains much merit. The adage โa fly on a wallโ was literally taken to the pages as Jacob Cerf is reincarnated into a fly 200 years after his death. If you like different stories with a touch of historical fiction (17th century Paris) mixed with current day fiction (modern day NY), then youโll love this book.
The author is quite witty and creates a fascinating character in this little fly. All of the characters and the three main storylines were woven together seamlessly, much like the braided challah and its sweet smell that is mentioned many times throughout the book. Judaism, and living in an orthodox home is a prominent theme and is described in detail from both the historical and current point of views.
The author, Rebecca Miller, is daughter of esteemed playwright Arthur Miller so she’s certain been blessed with good literary breadth. ย This story is well-told and most importantly, different than anything else I’ve read. Would make a great book for group discussion.ย
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Quotes I liked:
…that woman was solid as an oak tree. And he, shimmering and rustling in the unpredictable wind that was his destiny, would be her foliage.โ
– โI felt this was the behavior expected of me… At first it was an act, but gradually it became my personality.โ
Amoral, cunning, ruthless, and instructive, this multi-million-copy New York Times bestseller is the definitive manual for anyone interested in gaining, observing, or defending against ultimate control โ from the author of The Laws of Human Nature. I... read more
Review:The Museum of Failures by Thrity Umrigar is another excellent example of creating a novel with richly layered characters while comparing Indian and American lifestyles. In this story, Remy returns to Bombay, which he has dubbed the museum of failures, as he sees his native country through the lens of his American life. Heโs there to meet his friendโs niece with the hopes of adopting her baby, as he and his wife are unable to conceive. This innocuous trip turns into a much more complex time as Remy is hit with roadblocks time and time again.Itโs the story about Remy and his mother that really got to me. He lived a life of never measuring up and feeling quite unloved by her. Through their time together in Bombay, he learns critical information that allows him to see her in a more thoughtful and understanding way. This time away has brought whatโs left of his shattered family back together.His trip extends much longer than anticipated and he realizes the value of being home. His American wife Kathy seemed too good to be true, but I did like their relationship, born of trust and equality. Remyโs life as a poet was buried away, but through his visit in India, he realizes the importance of doing work you love, not just working for a higher paycheck.Overall, this was a satisfying read and one that fans of Umrigar will appreciate. Her last book, Honor, along with The Space Between Us, are my two favorites of hers. I havenโt met an Umrigar book I didnโt enjoy!@thrity_umrigar @algonquinbooks ๐: Do you dress up for Halloween? If yes, what's your costume of choice? If not, what's a scary book you've read? ... See MoreSee Less